Introduced in 1958 as Chevrolet’s first foray upmarket, the Impala proved GM’s volume car juggernaut had the strength to be all things to all people. It was the ride your upper-class neighbors enjoyed and, like the original Bel Air, it wholly embodied the time of its creation. With that in mind, the restoration of this awesome, third-generation convertible involved a frame-off mix of nostalgia and skill that created a better-than-new cruiser. Amenities like a hot 409 and tough Muncie 4-speed make this the perfect car for fun drives while timeless lines, a correct interior and miles of correct Tuxedo Black paint are sure to keep collectors happy. If you’re looking for some spectacular metal that’s road ready, show ready, and just plain ready to go, this brazen bowtie is your kind of classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Formerly part of a 180-car Chevrolet collection, this top-of-the-line drop-top displays immaculate bodywork that simply glistens. The car’s super straight profile is layered in correct Tuxedo Black 2-stage that’s been buffed to a spectacular shine. And, in typical ‘60s fashion, that pigment is fully detailed in literal feet of polished trim. At the front of this sleek showboat, a broad stainless grille hangs T3 headlights and amber parking lamps between an ornate Chevrolet crest, a blocky “CHEVROLET” script and a guarded bumper. At the top of that grille, subtle hood spears lead the eye to a factory-tint greenhouse, which is sealed in straight frames, cleared by bright wipers and capped in power-operated vinyl. At the sides of that hood, engine-turned, SS-spec speed spears found bold “IMPALA” scripts beneath traditional cross-flag emblems and “SS” quarter badging. Opposite those spears, correct door handles and classy bowtie mirrors perfectly complement optional nail guards and an angled antenna. And at the back of the car, a stainless-trimmed, engine-turned valence hangs six familiar taillights between a second Chevrolet crest, a small “CHEVROLET” script and a second guarded bumper.

ENGINE

In the early days of America’s horsepower wars, Chevy’s stalwart 409 was arguably the go-to choice for most racers. There was simply nothing else on the road that could touch its street-ruling horsepower. And that made cars like this sculpted drop-top feared and equally revered. At the top of its “QB” branded mill, a polished, dual-snorkel air cleaner forces oxygen in to dual 4-barrel carburetors, which feed through an old school fuel bowl and polished fluid lines. Those massive pots top an aluminum intake, which wedges a chrome-capped oil filler between factory heads and polished, bowtie-stamped valve covers. Those valves send spent gases in to correct, cast iron exhaust manifolds and a 2.5-inch, true-dual exhaust system that’s characterized by a deep, vintage roar. That roar is the product of sparks sequenced through a familiar points distributor and trusted Packard Radio TVRS cables. And this B-Body’s entire engine compartment, from its Chevy Orange block and Satin Black fenders to its clean Delco battery and cool washer bottle, is nicely detailed and ready to show.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Torque meets the pavement through a tough Muncie 4-speed, which spins a factory rear end. The car’s rebuilt suspension is greatly enhanced by factory power steering and power drum brakes. Exhaust flows from the aforementioned manifolds to quality turbo mufflers. And all that fully sorted hardware rides painted steel wheels, which spin 7.50-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls around red-detailed, Super Sport-spec wheel covers.

INTERIOR

Covered in a monochromatic sheen, this Chevy’s correct interior has been restored to factory-fresh condition in virtually every way. The SS-specific front bucket and rear bench seats feel newer than the car’s 54 years would suggest, and present just as well now as the day they rolled out of the upholstery shop. In front of those thrones, a padded dash, dressed in the usual combination of telemetry, audio and trim, founds an optional Autronic Eye headlight dimmer opposite an optional, polished tissue box. At the base of that dash, a stylish, SS-specific console centers a chrome shifter in front of lockable storage. A color-keyed steering wheel laps a factory tachometer, which is centered on a tilting column. And optional equipment includes power windows and dealer-installed hazard flashers.

With a clean restoration, fully sorted mechanicals and more style than pretty much anything on the road, this coveted Impala literally defines the term “Americana”. Talk to us now and make space in your garage later – this Chevy won’t wait around!